Chambery Inn is a local landmark, originally a schoolhouse responsible for the education of generations of local families, today it stands as the embodiment of our passion and combined experience throughout our 30+years in the hospitality field. Once a financial nemesis to a local parish, the building's fate of demolition was imminent as reported in a Berkshire Eagle article entitled; "Old St. Mary's School in Lee is Candidate for Wreckers Ball ." Constructed in 1885, as the Berkshires first parochial school, its usefulness to the parish ended in 1957 when a new school was built. This historic 300-ton structure was saved from destruction and relocated to its present location at the corner of Main and Elm Streets in Lee. Chambéry, France-(hence the Inn's name)-is the native city of the teaching order of The Sisters of Saint Joseph. This small group of five nuns from the order, arrived at Lee's train station (across from the Inn) in the summer of 1885 to teach six grades of young American students. Only two of the nuns could speak English at the time. Building of the school was made possible through the effort and generosity of Jane Sedgewick, of the politically and socially prominent Sedgewick Family of New York and Massachusetts, and a convert to the Catholic faith. Miss Sedgewick labored for many years to establish a parochial school without success. Only after an audience with Pope Leo XII in 1880, was permission granted. " This is the work of GOD daughter, and I say to you, persevere in spite of all obstacles" were his words and blessing to the persistent and courageous Sedgewick.
